Summer is well and truly in full swing in England, with a fourth heatwave supposedly on the way. With this in mind, we thought we’d share some top tips for keeping your rental home cool this summer.
It’s always nice when summer comes along and brings longer days, brighter evenings and more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
Temperatures have been soaring in England, with a record breaking temperature of 35 degrees being reached in May, June and July. While the sunshine is lovely, these high temperatures can make being at home a little tricky and uncomfortable.
We know it can be challenging for tenants who are limited on what they can and can’t do in a rental home.
How to keep your rental home cool this summer
There are plenty of small, often overlooked, ways that you can keep your home cooler. Here are just a few of the best tips for you to consider.
Open windows strategically during heat waves
While it can be tempting to keep the windows open all of the time, it may not be the most beneficial if you want a cool home. Many people find it helpful to open the windows early in the morning, close them during the day and then re-open them as the day goes on and the temperatures become cooler. This is beneficial in comparison to leaving the windows and doors open even during the hottest hours of the day.
This can help to stop warm air from getting into your home. It’s also a good idea to ensure windows are open at both the front and back of the house, as this helps to create a more balanced flow of air and a cross breeze. Only have doors open when you are around the home on hot days.
Keep the curtains closed to reduce natural light
Whether your rental home has blinds or curtains, sometimes it’s better to leave them shut during the day as well as the evening. This prevents direct sunlight from reaching the windows and making the home feel even hotter.
You could even speak to your landlord about upgrading the window coverings to be more effective during the summer months. Or, if your rented property is unfurnished, you can likely swap these out yourself, just make sure you keep any curtains or blinds that belong to your landlord and put these back when you vacate the property. Read our blog on how to be a sustainable renter.
Turn off appliances to reduce heat build up
Many people underestimate the heat that comes off appliances, even when they aren’t actually in use. It can be helpful to turn off any appliances that aren’t in use and avoid leaving items on standby.
When cooking, consider using heat sources later in the day when the temperature has naturally started to drop.
Use an efficient fan
Fans can help to circulate air better in a room, which can make it feel cooler. It’s important to be wary of how much you use the fan though, as they can also cause higher energy bills. Read our blog on how to save energy at home.
Consider switching out items
It’s always good to have some lighter, more breathable bedding in the summer months, so it might be worth investing in this for your rental home. Again, make sure you replace any items back with the originals that belong to the landlord before you move out.
You may also want to speak to your landlord about switching any traditional incandescent light bulbs to more energy-efficient LED light bulbs, which can be cheaper to run and may emit less heat. Read more about healthy homes.
Other tips for air circulation during sunny weather
- Use thermal curtains or blackout curtains
- Fill a frozen water bottle and leave in the bed
- Consider extra measures in south-facing rooms and conservatories
- Keep bedrooms cool for a good night’s sleep
There are many small adjustments you can make in your rental home, and if you need to run any ideas past your landlord, they are likely to be achievable for a reasonable price. While air conditioning would be nice, it’s a costly process for landlords and is not typically necessary in this country.
Staying cool is essential in this warm weather, and you should also take extra care of yourself by drinking plenty of water and helping to prevent hot air build up in your rented home.
We are a nationwide letting agency with a local touch, always providing a friendly service to both tenants and landlords. Contact us to find out more about the properties we have available.
